The
model Luvely has been modeling and working promotions for over a
decade. Her experience is primarily in runway and live promotions,
however, she recently started acting. Her goals are lofty and her
willingness to work hard and work smart is strong. Luvely was recently
interviewed by Black Men In America.com. She’s a hard working young
lady who has more going for her than good looks. To learn more about
Luvely, check out our interview with her.
BMIA.com: You go by the name Luvely. Is that your given or legal
name?
Luvely: No, Luvely isn’t my legal name. I started off using it as
a reference to my sorority affiliation, and it just sort of stuck. I
prefer not to use my real name when I model because many models have had
issues with employment. When an employer does a Google.com search on
someone’s name, all sites with their name are shown in the query. Some
don’t consider modeling a true profession and frown upon it. I prefer to
keep my professional career and my modeling career separate.
BMIA.com: How and when did you get into the modeling business?
Luvely: I was an ugly kid, so I got started a little late at the
age of 24. A friend of mine was modeling for Barbizon and suggested that
I audition for them. I did and they signed me on the spot. The
admissions director recommended that rather than pay $2,000+ for their
course, I should take a couple of one-on-one sessions with an
instructor. I’m glad that I did because I feel that I got more out of it
than I would have in the classes. The admissions director was very
honest and I learned a lot from her. She actually has her own
model/talent company in the St. Louis area, Promotions Unlimited.
BMIA.com: What part of the country did you grow up?
Luvely: I’m a small town girl, born and raised in Clinton, MO. The
population is around 10,000 people which is booming compared to what it
was when I was growing up there. It’s about an hour and a half southeast
of Kansas City, MO.
BMIA.com: What were you doing before you became a model?
Luvely: I was a student at Lincoln University of Missouri majoring
in business administration. I was also a wife and young mother.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Luvely: The flexibility. I’m able to fit shoots and other projects
in when I have the time. But, I’m paid like I’ve worked a week at my day
job.
BMIA.com: There are a lot of models in the business and on the
Internet. What makes you different?
Luvely: I would have to say my professionalism. Modeling is more
than just smiling for the camera; it’s a business and a craft and should
be treated like such. I make it a point to know what’s going on behind
the camera as well as in the boardroom. I’ve run into only a handful of
other models who do the same.
BMIA.com: How involved are you with the business aspect of your career?
Luvely: I’m totally involved. I’m an African-American petite model
in the Midwest. My area isn’t exactly the industry Mecca, so I do a lot
of freelance work. I have taken the time to research, create and locate
modeling opportunities not only for me, but for other Missouri models as
well. I formed the Missouri Model Team a little over a year ago for this
purpose,
http://www.MissouriModelTeam.tk. The members are models from
Missouri and surrounding states as well as photographers, casting agents
and other industry professionals. Opportunities are posted there as well
as answers to questions and advice.
BMIA.com: Are there any modeling jobs that you won’t do? Have you done
any nude modeling?
Luvely: I’m really not too big on music videos, unless I’m
actually acting. Let’s face it; you don’t necessarily have to be a model
or an actress to shake your butt for the camera. I did shoot a music
video for a St. Louis artist back in October. I played a casting
director. The experience was fantastic. I don’t pose nude. I’ve had
several opportunities to do so over the years, but I’ve just never had
an interest. My 9-year-old daughter is a model/actress and I feel that I
need to set a good example for her. My rule is that if it’s a shoot or
project that I wouldn’t allow her to be present for or allow her to see
the photos from, I won’t do it. I’d also like to stress here that models
do not have to pose nude in order to make it in the industry. In fact,
many models have cut their careers short by doing so early in their
careers.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Luvely: I’ve been fortunate enough to have nothing but positive
experiences. The best part about modeling is the networking. I’ve worked
with several fantastic photographers and other models who have the same
motivation as I do. I’ve also made some other great industry connections
that I feel will be very useful in my future endeavors.
BMIA.com: What’s the worst part of being a model?
Luvely: The only bad thing about this industry is the fact that
there are so many who are out there simply to take advantage of models.
It makes it very, very hard to trust and makes it even harder for
legitimate agencies and photographers to succeed. Modeling is an ego
driven industry that is fueled by dreams. There are many out there who
prey upon those egos and dreams and take advantage of naïve and/or up
and coming models.
BMIA.com: How big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Luvely: Sex sells and is a huge factor in marketing at large. Sex
sells everything from shampoo to cars. That’s just a reality.
BMIA.com: Tell us about your web site. Has having a web site helped
you as a model? Please explain.
Luvely: I dabble in website design and created my own at
http://www.Luvely.tk. I feel that it’s helped me as a model because
it’s provided me with a medium showcase my work, my resume and other
information and have it available worldwide. I have a tracker on the
site that tells me who, what, when and where my site has been viewed.
It’s amazing to me how so many different countries have viewed the site
and how viewers are directed to my site. Exposure = Opportunities.
BMIA.com: How important is a photographer in your business?
A good
photographer is of the utmost importance. I also believe that it’s a
good idea to work with a wide variety of photographers. Each one has new
ideas to share and they each have a different eye. Each one will also
bring out something different in you, not just different poses but
different personalities as well. Using a variety of photographers also
gives you a diverse portfolio.
BMIA.com: Do you have a favorite photographer that you would like to
acknowledge?
Luvely: All of the photographers I’ve worked with have done a
great job. And I still have a growing list of photographers that I’d
love to have the opportunity to work with. My most recent work was done
with Tim Rogers from the Washington, D.C. area. He did a fantastic job
and I look forward to working with him again when I’m on the east coast.
BMIA.com: Are you married? Single? Have a significant other?
Luvely: LOL- I was married for 7 years. Currently I am single.
BMIA.com: What characteristics do you look for in a mate?
Luvely: At the risk of sounding clique’, I’m looking for someone
who’s real; someone who is upfront about who and what they are and what
they are about. I really don’t like dating. It seems like a lot of time
is spend trying to find someone worthy of spending your time, then you
find out that they really aren’t who or what you thought they were in
the beginning. I look for someone who is as versatile as I am…I like to
go out on the town, but I love a good “BlockBuster Night,” too. I’m also
looking for someone who has an appreciation for me as a person and
someone I can relate to on all levels. I think I’ve found him.
BMIA.com: How long do you plan to stay in the modeling business?
Luvely: Well, I’m turning 31 in September…so I’m a dinosaur in
this industry LOL. I would like to model for as long as I’m still
marketable, but I really want to get into the acting field. There’s much
more longevity there. I’ve also been getting more and more into the
administrative side of modeling and consulting for websites. I’m really
enjoying it all.
BMIA.com: You’re also an independent businesswoman affiliated with Mary
Kay products. How’s that going?
Luvely: I love Mary Kay! I think that I was probably my director’s
easiest recruit. I’ve been stalked for years by Mary Kay consultants to
sell. I sold jewelry for 8 years and sells is really my forte. And I’ve
been playing in makeup since I was 5, so I was an easy fit –LOL-. Mary
Kay’s marketing plan, their incentives and rewards programs are very,
very impressive to me. The real goal with Mary Kay isn’t to “push
lipstick”, we’re all about empowering women by providing them an avenue
of self employment and helping them feel good about themselves. If we
look beautiful, we feel beautiful. I became an Independent Beauty
Consultant on May 10th of this year, and I will be a DIQ
(Director in Qualification) by June 10th. My next step will
be my Directorship and my pink Cadillac. MK offers me the flexibility to
be able to invest as much time or as little time as I like. We operate
on the premise of God first, family second and career third. You can’t
go wrong with a plan like that.
Anyone
interested in hearing about the opportunities that Mary Kay has to
offer, please email me at
ALHill08@MaryKay.com or visit my web site at
http://www.MaryKay.com/ALHill08. (Okay, that was my shameless plug…)
BMIA.com: What do you want to do when you’re modeling career is over?
Luvely: I want to continue helping and consulting others in the
modeling industry. I have several irons in the fire, both personal and
joint, that will definitely keep me busy for years to come.
BMIA.com: What advice would you give to women who want to become
professional models?
Luvely: Never underestimate your gut instinct. Anything that
sounds too good to be true usually is, especially in this industry.
Don’t be
afraid to ask questions of those who have expressed an interest in
working with you. Legitimate agencies/photographers will gladly answer
any questions you may have. Ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask
others in the industry if they know the agency/photographer/or project
that you have an interest in.
Know
what you are getting yourself into ALWAYS. Take the time to read all
contracts and have legal counsel review your contracts. Discuss projects
at length so that you know what is expected of you before you arrive.
Bottom
line, use your head!
At
this time, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for the
opportunity to be heard in their forum. I wish you continued success.
BMIA.com: How did you
get into the business?
Roneique: I booked my first job when I was 7 years old and caught the
bug. Thankfully, my mother insisted that I concentrate on my studies
until I got a little older and wiser. When I turned 18, I jumped into it
head first. My first shoot was with LaMonte McLemore for Jet Magazine,
and it kind of snowballed from there.
BMIA.com: What were you doing before you became a model?
Roneique: I was a teacher’s assistant at a high school in Los
Angeles.
BMIA.com: Tell me about your background. Where did you grow up?
Where did you go to school? Major?
Roneique: I was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 8, 1975. My
childhood was incredible… I don’t think that it would have been possible
to have a more wonderful, solid, and huge family. At the age of 12, my
mother Phyllis, father Robert, and I moved to LA. I attended Beverly
Hills High School and did 2 years of pre-med studies in college before I
decided to pursue my modeling career full time.
BMIA.com: How involved are you with the business aspect of your
career?
Roneique: Extremely! It is so crucial to be able to negotiate,
market, and properly represent your perspective. I always advise new
girls to speak up and take a hands-on approach. A closed mouth doesn’t
get fed!
BMIA.com: Is modeling your full time job?
Roneique: Yes.
BMIA.com: Are there any modeling jobs that you won’t accept?
Roneique: For sure! You’d be amazed at some of the “offers” that you
get!
BMIA.com:
Like
what? What kind of offers?
Roneique: I have
had guys ask me to "model" as their birthday gift. There are also your
garden variety porno offers.
BMIA.com: Have you done any nude modeling?
Roneique: I have done work for Playboy in the past. The human body is a
remarkable work of art. There is nothing wrong with showcasing it in a
beautiful way.
BMIA.com: Have you ever done pornography?
Roneique: No, I haven’t done any pornography. If that’s what someone
wants to do, then I have no problem with it. It just isn’t my cup of
tea.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Roneique: For me, it has been being able to blaze trails for other ethnic
models. It is always so fulfilling to be the first Black model that a
company has hired. With that comes the responsibility to blow them out
of the water and to show them what they’ve been missing. I just shot the
cover for Musclemag with a good friend bodybuilder Chris Cormier. It is
the first Black cover in about 15 years, even though bodybuilding is a
Black dominated sport. When I got the proofs, I was like “yeah, they’re
finally waking up”!!! Twelve years ago it was all about blonde hair and
flat butts!
BMIA.com:
You are considered a swimsuit model. Is that your specialty
or do you take other modeling jobs?
Roneique: I’m flexible. I am a swimsuit/fitness model by trade, but I
do all kinds of other work ranging from feature films to commercials.
BMIA.com: What’s the worst part of being a model?
Roneique: The Hollywood games can be a bit much! There is someone
always trying to hit on you in some sly way.
BMIA.com: Walk me through a typical day for Roneique Banks?
Roneique: Beach shoots are usually my longest days. I am absolutely,
positively not a morning person! I get up around 3:30 a.m., wash my
hair, shower, get dressed, and head out by 5 a.m. By 5:30 I am usually
in the makeup chair and on the beach by 6 or 6:30. We usually shoot
until the sun goes down (the prettiest light is at sunset). After it’s
over, it’s time for some doughnuts!
BMIA.com:
What’s your status? Married? Single?
Roneique: No comment.
BMIA.com: What characteristics do you look for in a mate?
Roneique: I look for strength. Not only physical strength, but also
real strength: strength of character. It is really important for my man
to be emotionally stable, secure, active, funny, intelligent, open
minded, spontaneous, creative, family oriented, and respectful.
BMIA.com: Is it difficult for you to have a relationship and a
career?
Roneique:
That’ where strength and security really come in. A lot of
men are very intimidated by what I do. I am just a normal woman who
happens to have a not so ordinary profession. If my man is truthful and
good to me, I’ll never look in another direction.
BMIA.com: Who are some of the people that motivate and inspire you?
Roneique: I am very inspired by my mother. She is the epitome of real
beauty, courage, and grit. My mother has this way of moving you to do
your best. Tina, my best friend, is also an incredible source of
inspiration and truth for me. She is that real woman that every young
girl should sit down and take notes from!
BMIA.com: Name some of the magazines and web site that have featured
you?
Roneique: I have been featured in many magazines such as Stuff, Black
Men, Lowrider (cover), Details, Musclemag (cover), Fit Beauties,
American Curves, Wheels (2 covers), and Ironman. I model for numerous
lingerie companies as well as my own website
www.banksaddiction.net.
BMIA.com: How big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Roneique: Let’s face it, sex sells! You have to be able to provide
sexiness without promising sex.
BMIA.com: How long do you plan to stay in the business?
Roneique: I am not going to put a date on it. It has been good to me and
I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. I think that women come into a
different type of beauty as they acquire wisdom, self-knowledge and
confidence that the camera definitely loves.
BMIA.com:
What do you want to do when you’re modeling career is over?
Roneique: I want to eventually become a real estate investor.
BMIA.com: What advice would you give to women who want to become
professional models?
Roneique: Know who you are and work it! Beauty comes in all sorts of
shapes, sizes, and colors. “No” is a very powerful word, so speak up and
be true to yourself.
You can
learn more about Roneique Banks by visiting her Yahoo Group.
Click Here To Go There
Now Group!
